“The boy needs a decent wig and he’s good to go.”

Nintendo formally introduced the celebrities of its live-action Legend of Zelda film, and the web lit up with combined reactions. On July 16, Nintendo posted on X that Bo Bragason will play Princess Zelda and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth will painting Link.

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“This is Miyamoto. I am pleased to announce that for the live-action film of The Legend of Zelda, Zelda will be played by Bo Bragason-san, and Link by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth-san. I am very much looking forward to seeing both of them on the big screen,” tweeted the @Nintendo X account.

“The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 7, 2027. Thank you for your patience.”

Who are the Link and Zelda actors?

Both actors are rising stars in British tv and movie. Bragason appeared in BBC One dramas Three Girls and The Jetty, and extra lately in Disney+’s Renegade Nell. Ainsworth, in the meantime, voiced the titular character in Disney’s live-action Pinocchio and starred in Netflix’s The Haunting of Bly Manor in addition to making an look in The Sandman.

Their standing as comparatively unknown actors general struck a chord with many followers of the franchise. Star energy may help draw within the crowds, however may also have a destructive influence in the event that they aren’t capable of act the half.

Fans have lengthy speculated about who would possibly tackle these iconic roles, with most assuming that the position of Zelda would go to Euphoria actress Hunter Schafer. This casting, subsequently, got here as a shock to many.

Schafer’s resemblance to the online game model of Zelda sparked numerous side-by-side comparisons. Her elf-like look and robust performing chops made her a frontrunner in fan circles. At one level, business insider Daniel Richtman even claimed she was being thought-about in a paid submit on his Patreon account.

@skyferrori tweeted, “there’s only one answer for princess zelda and that’s hunter schafer.”

However, Nintendo and Sony selected comparatively lesser-known actors, maybe choosing a extra grounded, much less dangerous method. 

Fans react and mourn a missed fan-favorite

Reactions on-line, from X to Reddit and past, have been instant and wide-ranging.

“We won, fam,” one fan wrote. “They look the part, and I am beyond happy.” Another added, “I hope they do well! They’re not historically ‘speaking’ characters, so movement should carry the day.”

“not casting hunter schafer as zelda is the biggest fumble of all time,” wrote @chihiroloverr.

Despite some hesitation, many followers expressed hope for the undertaking. 

Over on Reddit, individuals have been optimistic, with one writing, “Yeah, they work fine imo. The boy needs a decent wig and he’s good to go. I hope they don’t face a huge wave of toxicity from ‘fans’.” Another famous, “I think it’s a good thing they are going for relatively unknown actors. The photo of the girl already gives a slight Zelda vibe.”

u/Oofbot3000 identified, “No idea who either of them are. Might be a good thing.”

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